Impact of chronic Achilles tendinopathy on health-related quality of life, work performance, healthcare utilisation and costs

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) on quality of life (QoL), work performance, healthcare utilisation and costs in adults with conservatively treated chronic midportion AT.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey-based study included 80 patients and took place in a sports medicine department of a large regional hospital in the Netherlands. Data were collected before any intervention was given. Primary outcome was the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D). The EQ-5D expresses the percentage of moderate/major problems on the domains self-care, anxiety/depression, mobility, usual activities and pain/discomfort. Secondary outcomes were the number of previous healthcare visits, work performance during the period of symptoms and estimated annual direct medical and indirect costs per patient as a result of AT.ResultsAll 80 patients completed the questionnaires. The EQ-5D scores were low for the domains self-care (1%) and anxiety/depression (20%), and high for the domains mobility (66%), usual activities (50%) and pain/discomfort (89%). Patients with AT mainly reported an impact on work productivity (38%). Work absenteeism due to AT was present in 9%. The total median (IQR) number of annual healthcare visits was 9 (3–11). The total mean (SD) estimated annual costs were €840 (1420) per patient with AT (mean (SD) US$991 (1675)).ConclusionsThis study shows the large impact of AT on QoL and work productivity. This study also provides new information about the socioeconomic impact of AT, which emphasises that this common and longstanding disease causes substantial costs. These findings stress the need for optimised treatment and improved preventive interventions for AT.Trial registration numberNCT02996409.

Dutch multidisciplinary guideline on Achilles tendinopathy

“…Achilles tendinopathy is a common sporting injury that can result in reduced quality of life and is notorious for its longlasting symptoms. 23 The Dutch Association for Sports Medicine initiated this new multidisciplinary clinical guideline on Achilles tendinopathy. We followed the standard national comprehensive multidisciplinary guideline process.…”

Psychosocial and individual factors affecting Quality of Life (QoL) in patients suffering from Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review

“…Tendinopathy is the most prevalent tendon disorder that causes pain and dysfunction. Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a clinical condition characterised by pain and tendon thickening that affects the tendons and nearby structures, causing functional limitations and impaired load-bearing capacity [ 1 , 2 ]. AT is one of the most frequent ankle and foot overuse injuries and a common cause of disability in activities that involve jumping, such as basketball and volleyball players, both recreational (ranging from 11.8% to 14.4%) and elite (32% to 45%) [ 3 ], AT is also found in people who participate in running activities [ 4 ] and professional dancers [ 5 ].…”

“…These translate into higher healthcare costs, estimated at around €140 billion [ 5 , 10 ]. AT has been estimated to be €840 annually per patient [ 2 ]. These injuries are associated with high healthcare and socioeconomic costs, long-term postoperative rehabilitation, and loss of productivity [ 10 ].…”

Efficacy of high-volume injections with and without corticosteroid compared with sham for Achilles tendinopathy: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…3 Achilles tendinopathy can severely impact quality of life (particularly mobility, usual activity and pain domains), is associated with reduced work capacity in 38% of people affected and accounts for substantial healthcare costs. 4 The aetiology of Achilles tendinopathy is multifactorial 5 and the imbalance between load demands placed on the tendon and its ability to remodel is considered a major factor. 6 Other factors that are thought to increase tendon load or influence the…”

“… 3 Achilles tendinopathy can severely impact quality of life (particularly mobility, usual activity and pain domains), is associated with reduced work capacity in 38% of people affected and accounts for substantial healthcare costs. 4 …”